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Streamer Software

I’m in a process to upgrade my Node 2i streamer and there are some interesting options available. I use Qobuz, Roon and Spotify with the current streamer. I’m wondering what’s the software level with Lumin, Aurender, Auralic and for example Inuos? This is information which seems to be very difficult to compare, so it would share your experience with streamer software. Just please include information like how you use the software, iphone, android, mac, pc client and version if possible 👍🏻
jksec
jksec OP
23 posts
 
That’s exactly what I was afraid of. I don’t have aproblem to pay for Roon, but it also has limitations like Sonos or Tidal play(s) would not work with it. Still I haven’t seen proper review of the streaming software of even the top manufacturers. You would think that by paying 10k$ and more for streamer /+dac would give you streamelined and bugfree software that is on a same level as the product design itself, but it’s not given.
photomax
169 posts
 
Some streamers include their own software while others don’t. Some will allow you to use software built for other manufacturers. 
Some users like free or cheap $10 software systems that retain a simple shareware interface. Others demand a fully developed polished system that will come with the more expensive hardware box. Companies like Linn and Lumin offer well made boxes with solid components and well maintained software packages. Others like to build basic Pi projects with custom cases.

Not a one size fits arena obviously...
rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
271 posts
 
I am using Tidal and Qobuz with Roon, it seems to be integrated to me.  I can see all 6 Sonos speakers in my house but I haven't tried to play to them- I let my wife generally choose music for the house.  But, I think there is a way to control the Sonos speakers with Roon.  I have my audio room I listen in.
I use an Innuos server as an endpoint and have the core on an Antipodes server.
The cost of a subscription for Roon, Tidal and Qobuz is a bargain for what they offer.  I think its better to let the hardware companies do what they do best and the software companies do what they do best vs an all in one solution.  
jksec OP
23 posts
 
I think that’s spot on ”let hardware companies and software companies do what they best”, but we are not there yet. Currently almost all of the highend manufacturers have their own software which works only with their own hardware. 
Before making purchase decision on highend dac/streamer I would like know how well the software works. It’s something that’s more difficult to assess during a few hour listening session. So the owners of Lumin, Innuos, Aurender, DCS, and others, please share your experiences with the software and if you have for example jumped to Roon instead of manufacturers own solution.
rockrider
181 posts
 

I have experience using BluOS, LUMIN, Roon, mConnect (UPnP), and Aurender Conductor.

BluOS was the first but I was not satisfied with the sound quality  

LUMIN was the next I tried but I was not satisfied with the streaming service searching capability.

With all the raves about Roon, I decided to give it a try, but it was similarly disappointing and more complicated than I wanted. The added expense and need for a computer to run the core were also negatives for me.

mConnect is an independent app that is compatible with UPnP/DLNA devices. Similar limitations like the LUMIN app.

Bubble UPnP is another independent app with some good reviews, but is only available as an Android app. Anyhow, I use an iPad so have not tried Bubble UPnP.

Then decided to try an Aurender streamer and it’s Conductor app. Discounting Roon, Conductor is the nicest to use of the apps I’ve tried. I really like it’s pop-up menus versus the icon approach used by most.

But overall, I learned that the searching capability is determined by the streaming service, not the software. I use Tidal and Qobuz, and searching is different between them even within the same app.

Eventually I realized that with all the apps (including Roon), the feature rich searching capability only applies in the app’s “library”. Tracks or albums from your streaming services can be added to your library, along with any files you own. This creates your own personal database you can search using the more elaborate tools. (The database contains searchable information about the files in your library, but not the actual music.) But you have to FIND those tracks and albums in your streaming service’s catalog before you can add them to your library.

So I have decided I enjoy using the Aurender Conductor app the most, and I’ll just live with the streaming services searching capability.

I wholeheartedly agree it would be great if all the apps worked with all the hardware, but I guess the hardware manufacturers don’t see it that way yet.

It’s really unfortunate you can’t try the Conductor app without buying an Aurender component. It’s also unfortunate that if you do decide to buy an Aurender component, you can’t try out Roon with it. On the plus side my Aurender N100H sounds fantastic. And since I enjoy using the Conductor app I am happy on both counts.

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